The Neighborhoods with Two Guys and Another Guy

When Boston Rock Rolled into the Ocean Mist

7/16/16

by Maia Kennedy

The opening band, Two Guys and Another Guy, impressed us right away with a cover of Bowie’s “Starman.” They jokingly introduced themselves as “the longest running opening act in Rhode Island.” They’ve been going strong for 30 years now! And I can see why they‘ve lasted so long; they play great music (their own tunes as well as covers) and make a real connection with their audience. I would describe them as being collectively that guy at the party that not everyone knows, but winds up hanging out with because they’re fun to be with. They played a handful of songs that really rocked, covering the stage with their energy and jumping at many final notes. They then closed with a cover of another much-loved Bowie song, Moonage Daydream.

The Neighborhoods graced the stage next to the screams of many in the crowd, all reaching out and trying to touch them. And I’m not just talking about the drunk girls either! They’re a small band from Boston, with a big sound and an all-encompassing stage presence. Both men and women alike have been following this band for decades, back from when they first won the WBCN Rock-n-Roll Rumble. In recent years, The Neighborhoods have been playing sporadically but never enough for their fans, many willing to drive the two hours out of Boston to see their favorite band!

When Dave Minehan first came out, grinning as he looked across the audience, he exclaimed, “I’m bored, let’s do something about it!” Everyone screamed in agreement and jumped as the band lit into their set, starting with a few of the old songs that everyone recognized. They played all the songs that everyone wanted to hear; songs from a number of their albums and many from their most recent, The Last Rat, including “Arrogance,” “Innocence Lost,” and “No Place Like Home.” They also teased us with a couple of songs from their much-anticipated new album, both sung by bassist Lee Harrington.

During a quiet moment in the set Lee played a familiar riff, I soon recognized it as Aerosmith’s “Same Old Song and Dance.” Drummer John Lynch reminded us all, “Let’s get some good vibes for our good friend Joe Perry.” And Minehan reiterated, “A good friend of the Neighborhoods.”

The Neighborhoods played for almost 2 hours and to the delight of many, came back soon after their break to for a long encore which included their big hit The Prettiest Girl, as well as a bunch of covers.

This was billed as the ‘Hoods last show of the summer. No one wants to wish away the warm days, but another show would sure make the colder months easier to welcome. Knowing that new music is on the way sweetens the deal even more. With Minehan in front of the mic as well as behind the board at Woolly Mammoth Sound the new album will be sure to make a splash!

Neighborhoods’ Setlist:

1. Dangerous

2. WUSA

3. Evil Knievel

4. One Day Older

5. Don't Look Down (from new album, sung by Lee Harrington)

6. Half Life

7. Arrogance

8. Monday Morning

9. Innocence Lost

10. Anything

11. Parasite

12. Mr. Reeves

13. Pure And Easy

14. Reptile Man

15. Now You Would

16. Hangin'

17. Goodbye Gone Era

18. I Can’t Explain (The Who)

19. Think It Over

Encore:

1. We Are All Alone (from new album, sung by Lee Harrington)

2. You've Got Time (Regina Spektor song, Orange Is The New Black theme)